Judges take a good look at Greystones
ALL that Greystones has to offer and what makes the town special were detailed to the judges for the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards at a special presentation in the Whale Theatre last week.
The three judges arrived to a full house of the local community representing business interests, community groups, residents and members of the recently formed group, Greystones 2020. The judges were welcomed by Cllr Gerry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District.
The Chairperson of Greystones 2020, Cllr Gráinne McLoughlin led a team representing Greystones 2020, with participation from Stephen Flynn of the Happy Pear; Paul Byrne from Greystones Guide; George Jones from the La Touche Legacy; and Alan Gaines from Sherry Fitzgerald.
The combined team delivered an excellent presentation on Greystones with the passion and commitment of the speakers making a real impact on the judges.
The judges commented that every aspect of the criteria was developed and they were hugely impressed that Greystones had included a group of young entrepreneurs who have won national awards.
Following the presentation, the judges were brought through the theatre lane, picking up a bus that brought them through the town with an opportunity to view all the facilities Greystones has to offer and a walk along Church Road with its many bustling shops and restaurants.
Cllr McLoughlin said: ‘Greystones has the lowest vacancy rate in Ireland of any town and we were delighted to show the judges that whilst some shops were transitioning to new tenants, there is a policy amongst owners of retail outlets to allow them to be used as pop-up shops.’
Finishing at the new Marina, the judges were excited to see the harbour, the marina itself and the worldclass clubs and facilities delivered as part of the development.
The visitors and their hosts were welcomed into the Ridge Angling Club for refreshments.
The judges’ visit concluded on a very positive note, they left very impressed by all they saw in the morning and by the enthusiasm of the participants and audience.
‘Having previously won the World LivCom award for the most Livable Place in the World under a population of 16,000, Greystones has been able to show the judges that it is a vibrant, enterprising town with a community that is committed to the prosperity of the town and none more so than the members of Greystones 2020,’ said Cllr McLoughlin.